IN WHICH I AM IN AGONY

Oh my heavens. Whatever led me to believe that I would not get sore from that bodypump class? My legs are screaming. Big time. It's a good thing though. It's funny because I would have thought my arms would be what was sore, but they're fine!

If that weren't bad enough, I'm also having hip and sciatica pain, apparently from running. Wonderful friend Amanda shared some info on strengthening those areas. Fabulous! AND, for the trifecta...I pinched a nerve in my neck Tuesday evening. (unrelated to bodypump class).

Bring on the ibuprofen, it's gonna be a long day.

BODYPUMP CLASS

Tonight, Chad (our yoga instructor) was sick, so we found ourselves lured into the BODYPUMP class. Basically, this is a weight/strength training class, set to really loud music and led by an insanely enthusiastic husband/wife team. Everyone has a bar, and you add weights to it according to your level. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The beginning part of the class was awfully easy, but after I added on some weight it was much more challenging. I'll definately be feeling it tomorrow!! Tomorrow night I'm doing the spin class with a couple friends. Because I enjoy torturing myself. I'm just like that. Right Amanda?

As I was chatting with Millie, (one of the instructors) after the class, she mentioned that she was a personal trainer. I asked for her advice regarding these weight loss plateaus that I've been hitting. She said I will burn way more fat with strength training than all the cardio I've been doing. Her strategy for me was this: do the bodypump class 3x a week, and follow those classes with 30 minutes of cardio. I'll give this a try for awhile and see if it makes a difference. She also mentioned to make sure that as you lose weight, you're eating less.  With weight watchers, your daily points decrease with your weight, so I know this area is still right on track.

I've vowed to spend a few weeks avoiding the scale. I've started feeling hostage to it!! Hope all my HYC friends are doing well and making progress!

P.S. Check out these great BODYPUMP success stories!!

ONLY FOOLS RUN AT MIDNIGHT!

There is a fun run taking place not far from where I live that is called "Only fools run at midnight", on Saturday, April 10. Obviously, it starts at midnight! Yes, I am signing up, and no, I have no idea how I'll be able to stay up. I go to bed at 10 pm on weekends! HA! Hopefully with the help of coffee, coffee and lots more coffee, I'll make it. My Mom and I did this and years ago, and had a blast. It is a 3.5 mile course. I believe the race t-shirts glow in the dark, but don't quote me on that!

I'm trying to get a group of friends (male or female, I don't care!) to join in (you can either walk or run), so, if any of YOU live in this area and want to join in, click HERE for more information and the sign-up form!

SPIN CLASS

I have been persuaded, convinced, encouraged, and otherwise strong-armed by Amanda, to take a spin class this evening. I have heard her horror stories of endless torture, heartless instructors, and have watched her hobble about the day after. Given this, I would say that she's not very good at this "convincing" thing, but, she knows me very, very well, and thus is aware of my love for self torture when it comes to working out.

 Sounds like my kind of class!

P.S. If you don't hear from me in awhile, send help.

FEELING GREAT

Boy, I have been a slacker at blogging lately. Maybe because I've been a gym rat and am absolutely loving it! I've been hitting the gym 4-5 days a week religiously. I've lost 17 pounds since I got serious about dropping the weight about a month ago. (I've lost 11 lbs since we started our "Biggest loser" competition at work 2 weeks ago). Its finally become a habit, and I'm finding ways of making sure I get that "Me" time in. Whether its at 5am before work, on the weekends before Paco leaves for work, etc, its a priority. I am actually excited to get there and I really challenge myself. For me, half the fun is being around other people who are excercising. It draws out my competitive side!! I feel great! A friend and I joined a yoga class on Tuesdays...also really fun.

Not to be outdone, Paco has lost around 13 pounds and has been working out and lifting weights again. As if he needs BIGGER muscles. {grin}

Wish us luck!!